Words like “prodigy” and “phenom” get
thrown around a lot when discussing young athletes, but in Missy
Franklin’s case, those descriptive monikers can be legitimately used.
Franklin started swimming at the age of five and by the age of 16 had
broken two short course world records (200-meter backstroke and
4×100-meter medley relay).
After her dominant performance at the 2012 Summer Games in London (four gold medals and a bronze), she graduated high school and went to college with a return to the Olympic stage in the forefront of her mind. At the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, Franklin struggled to return to her form from four years prior. No longer the teenage kid trying to make a splash, the savvy veteran fought through the disappointing moments to qualify for a trip to Rio in three events.
Moving forward, she continues to live out an even bigger purpose — to show the world what God has done in her life. In this conversation, Franklin talks about her commitment to excellence, how she discovered faith, and how God helps her through some unique challenges:
Chad Bonham: At what point in your life did you decide to pursue your Olympic dream?
Missy Franklin: When I was twelve years old, Coach Todd Schmitz and I had our usual fall planning meeting. He asked me what my goals were for the year, and I said to qualify for the Olympic Trials in the summer. During that year, I qualified in three events and participated in the Olympic Trials in June 2008 when I was 13. I loved every second of this experience and knew that in 2012 I wanted to compete for a spot on the US Olympic Team.
Bonham: How did you get into swimming and what about the sport do you most appreciate and enjoy?
Franklin: My mom and I took a Mom and Me class when I was six months old. I guess I loved it and smiled at my mom underwater. Before I turned 3, I snorkeled in Maui and scared my mom to death when I tried to follow a beautiful fish out to sea. I started swimming competitively when I was five years old. I started year round swimming when I was seven with Coach Todd at Colorado Stars. I love swimming and enjoy every practice with my teammates. It also is exciting developing friendships with swimmers from other teams from all over the country and the world. Besides all that, I just love the water. It is my element.
Bonham: What are some key principles that you’ve relied upon throughout your Olympic pursuit?
Franklin: Swimming is considered an individual sport and a lot of time is spent staring at the black line at the bottom of the pool. This requires dedication, and focus. In order to improve and stay at an elite level, there are sacrifices I choose to make. At the same time, I’m a young adult and enjoy doing all the normal activities so I need to make time for my training. I really have a great life, a lot of fun, and the best friends and family in the world.
Bonham: Can you tell me about your faith journey?
Franklin: Religion was not important in my parents’ upbringing. Therefore I never had a church home. We occasionally attended a church service but I felt so uncomfortable and self-conscious as I didn’t know what was expected. Before my freshman year I visited Regis Jesuit High School. As I walked in the main door, I felt at peace and knew I belonged there. From that first moment, I knew God was with me. Every day over the last three years, my faith has grown. One of my favorite times was going to our beautiful school chapel and spending time with God. I also attended Kairos with my Regis Jesuit sisters and it changed my life forever. I really work on keeping my faith strong.
Bonham: How has your faith in God specifically helped you deal with the challenges you’ve faced as an elite competitor?
Franklin: God is always there for me. I talk with Him before, during and after practice and competitions. I pray to Him for guidance. I thank Him for this talent He has given me and promise to be a positive role model for young athletes in all sports.
Bonham: What are your expectations for what God might be doing at the Olympics?
Franklin: Once every four years, athletes, families, friends and fans come together from all over the world. I know God will be there and I hope many of the people there will also feel His presence.
Pick up Chad's book Glory of the Games, featuring inspiring stories from 17 Olympic athletes (past and present) such as Shannon Miller, Tobin Heath, Laura Wilkinson, Josh Davis, Michael Chang, and Kevin Durant, by clicking HERE.
After her dominant performance at the 2012 Summer Games in London (four gold medals and a bronze), she graduated high school and went to college with a return to the Olympic stage in the forefront of her mind. At the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, Franklin struggled to return to her form from four years prior. No longer the teenage kid trying to make a splash, the savvy veteran fought through the disappointing moments to qualify for a trip to Rio in three events.
Moving forward, she continues to live out an even bigger purpose — to show the world what God has done in her life. In this conversation, Franklin talks about her commitment to excellence, how she discovered faith, and how God helps her through some unique challenges:
Chad Bonham: At what point in your life did you decide to pursue your Olympic dream?
Missy Franklin: When I was twelve years old, Coach Todd Schmitz and I had our usual fall planning meeting. He asked me what my goals were for the year, and I said to qualify for the Olympic Trials in the summer. During that year, I qualified in three events and participated in the Olympic Trials in June 2008 when I was 13. I loved every second of this experience and knew that in 2012 I wanted to compete for a spot on the US Olympic Team.
Bonham: How did you get into swimming and what about the sport do you most appreciate and enjoy?
Franklin: My mom and I took a Mom and Me class when I was six months old. I guess I loved it and smiled at my mom underwater. Before I turned 3, I snorkeled in Maui and scared my mom to death when I tried to follow a beautiful fish out to sea. I started swimming competitively when I was five years old. I started year round swimming when I was seven with Coach Todd at Colorado Stars. I love swimming and enjoy every practice with my teammates. It also is exciting developing friendships with swimmers from other teams from all over the country and the world. Besides all that, I just love the water. It is my element.
Bonham: What are some key principles that you’ve relied upon throughout your Olympic pursuit?
Franklin: Swimming is considered an individual sport and a lot of time is spent staring at the black line at the bottom of the pool. This requires dedication, and focus. In order to improve and stay at an elite level, there are sacrifices I choose to make. At the same time, I’m a young adult and enjoy doing all the normal activities so I need to make time for my training. I really have a great life, a lot of fun, and the best friends and family in the world.
Bonham: Can you tell me about your faith journey?
Franklin: Religion was not important in my parents’ upbringing. Therefore I never had a church home. We occasionally attended a church service but I felt so uncomfortable and self-conscious as I didn’t know what was expected. Before my freshman year I visited Regis Jesuit High School. As I walked in the main door, I felt at peace and knew I belonged there. From that first moment, I knew God was with me. Every day over the last three years, my faith has grown. One of my favorite times was going to our beautiful school chapel and spending time with God. I also attended Kairos with my Regis Jesuit sisters and it changed my life forever. I really work on keeping my faith strong.
Bonham: How has your faith in God specifically helped you deal with the challenges you’ve faced as an elite competitor?
Franklin: God is always there for me. I talk with Him before, during and after practice and competitions. I pray to Him for guidance. I thank Him for this talent He has given me and promise to be a positive role model for young athletes in all sports.
Bonham: What are your expectations for what God might be doing at the Olympics?
Franklin: Once every four years, athletes, families, friends and fans come together from all over the world. I know God will be there and I hope many of the people there will also feel His presence.
Pick up Chad's book Glory of the Games, featuring inspiring stories from 17 Olympic athletes (past and present) such as Shannon Miller, Tobin Heath, Laura Wilkinson, Josh Davis, Michael Chang, and Kevin Durant, by clicking HERE.
Photos courtesy of USA Olympic Team.
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